Arnold uncovers another unknown Aussie in Forest striker Cummings

Nottingham Forest’s Jason Cummings could become the latest Scotland-born player to jump into the Socceroos' ranks, with coach Graham Arnold identifying the striker’s previously unknown Australian ancestry.

Jason Cummings in action for Nottingham Forest Source: Getty Images

Arnold is turning to genealogy to unearth undiscovered gems across the continent as he burrows deep to bring added depth to his talent pool en route to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Arnold’s family tree forensics have already unmasked Hibernian winger Martin Boyle and Stoke City defender Harry Souttar as Australian converts, and Edinburgh-raised Cummings, who is understood to have an Australian grandparent, is now on his radar.

Despite playing for his native Scotland at youth level and accruing two senior caps, Cummings could still make the switch to Australia because he has not played yet in a FIFA-recognised tournament for Scotland.

“He’s one either I or (assistant) Rene Meulensteen will most definitely be watching because we need to spread the net as wide as possible,” Arnold told The World Game from London as he embarks on a six-week scouting pilgrimage across Europe.

“The more talent we can get at our disposal the better and I’m looking at players who have Australian ancestry.

“Martin Boyle and Harry Souttar both fit that category and we may find more out there.”

Australia’s talent pipeline has been less than prolific in recent years due to shrinking player pathways, forcing Arnold to become a bloodline bloodhound.

Cummings, whose hopes of a loan move to St Johnstone have since been scuppered, played in the same Hibs team as Boyle, scoring 55 goals in 114 appearances before signing for Forest in 2017.

He’s been unable to make a deep impression at the City Ground, netting one goal in 14 appearances before loan spells at Rangers, Peterborough and, most recently, Luton Town.

He has a year left on his deal with the Championship club but it’s understood he’s been told by new boss Sabri Lamouchi he’s free to leave.

Australia’s striking stocks have been wafer-thin and a huge problem area for Arnold, though Adam Taggart has emerged as a possible saviour with his recent goal surge in the Korea Republic.

Arnold will attend Monday’s (AEST) Danish Superliga duel between AGF Aarhus and MIdtjylland to assess the form of Socceroos Mustafa Amini, Alex Gersbach and Awer Mabil.

Former Brisbane Roar rookie Zach Duncan may also feature for AGF after impressing during training since his recent arrival.